(AFP) - The government today appointed Abdul Gani Patail, head of the prosecution division in the Attorney General's Chambers, as the country's top legal officer effective Jan 1.

Abdul Gani, who takes up the reins on Jan 1, replaces Attorney General Ainum Mohamad Saaid, whose resignation takes effect from the same date amid a long-standing thyroid problem.

"The appointment takes effect on Jan 1 but Abdul Gani will assume the duties of the Attorney General once Ainum goes on leave soon," Bernama news agency quoted Rais Yatim, the minister in charge of legal affairs, as saying.

But Abdul Gani's appointment immediately drew fire from the opposition.

Since 1998, Abdul Gani, 46, had been in the limelight as a leading member of the team that prosecuted jailed former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Rais said Abdul Gani would initially take over as acting Attorney General when Ainum goes on leave prior to her resignation.

"The Prime Minister (Mahathir Mohamad) has agreed to Abdul Gani Patail taking over the duties of Attorney-General from Ainum," he said.

Rais said the request to quit from Ainum - the first woman to hold the post in the country - had been accepted by the government with effect from Monday.

"She has informed me and Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, and I have discussed the matter with the premier," Rais was quoted by the New Straits Times as saying.

'Controversial appointment'

DAP chairman Lim Kit Siang was critical of Abdul Gani's selection, describing it as "most controversial".

"The people had hoped for a new era of the Malaysian judiciary and administration of the law and his appointment seems to bring the past back in the present."

"His appointment will further polarise the people - between those who had hoped for a new era of administration of the law, and those who want to see a reversion from the past," he told AFP .

Ainum, 55, took up the job on January 1 this year on a two-year contract.

Rais dismissed persistent rumours that Ainum was under investigation dating back to her time as Securities Commission deputy chief executive, when she was in charge of market supervision and enforcement.

"I categorically say that there is no investigation against her, none whatsoever in the past and at present. She leaves the service without any pigmentation of a stain," he said.

"It's purely for health reasons."

Ainum's appointment to succeed Mohtar Abdullah, who led the prosecution team against Anwar, had been welcomed by the legal profession as she had gained a reputation for her integrity, intellect and ability.